Category Archives: RPG

Final Fantasy Type-0 Review

April 13, 2015 Alex McCumbers

Ever fire up a new game and within the first twenty minutes feel morbidly depressed? I have. Recently.

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a remastering and localization of the PSP title of the same name. This release comes out of the Square Enix pattern of remastering their games; however, this one is unique because this is the first time it is playable in English. The game follows the story of a country being torn apart by a war comparable to World War II, focusing on a powerful group of young adults trying to make a difference.

SONY DSC — The PSP housed some experimental game design from Square Enix.

Before I go into this review, let me assure my readers that I did take the fact that this is a PSP game on the PS4 into consideration in all aspects of my criticism.

Those teens are members of the most elite group in Akademia, Class Zero. These characters each have their own style, making it fun to experiment with several characters to find one that fits. The combat engine is set in real time, but common battles take place in their own separate space most of the time. Many main quests actually stay in a battle mode, allowing players to engage in skirmishes in the overall war or avoid enemies altogether. There is even a real-time strategy inspired mechanic that appears from time to time. While it adds variety, these segments usually lack depth.

Golem is acquired by talking to someone. . .

There are many side missions that often reward curious players with items, spells, and abilities. These missions are fairly bland, but are a nice option, since the main game is fairly short. Unfortunately, there are many rewards that are worth putting up with lame missions. Players will find themselves running back and forth for much of the game just to find cool content.

Sice is one of my favorite characters, even though she fits so many anime cliches.

Visually, Type-0 has an anime inspired look and feel, with detailed character models and effects. Compared to previous Final Fantasy games, Type-0 is much darker in tone, even though it pays homage to several other games in the franchise. Violence drives much of the drama with characters dying on screen with sprays of blood. Classic Final Fantasy creatures are also given an interesting spin and feel more dangerous.

The summons of Type-0 are awesome in design and execution.

Class Zero’s warriors each have unique animations that flow well and look great. The choreography alone is worth praise as monsters are chopped up, blasted away, or lulled to sleep by pleasant flute music. Summons still hold up as some of the best moments of the action as powerful allies burst into existence. These beings are also controllable, adding to their presence on the battlefield. The way these creatures are designed are always interesting to compare to past iterations.
The tubes are gradually tied or sealed, with dissolvable stitches that help in closing the surgical cuts. online cialis india It can be due to male disorder, which can cause anxiety, which might lead a generic viagra from usa man to avoid sex and affect a relationship badly. A couple need to be little creative as well as active in their bed. levitra price Like how your dad wouldn’t let you take the medicine properly and as it per the dosage that is given http://robertrobb.com/afghan-peace-plan-wont-produce-peace-but-u-s-should-get-out-anyway/ sildenafil pfizer to you.
One of the biggest drawbacks to the game is its graphical issues. Action is fast paced, fluid, and cinematic, but the game’s camera has a hard time keeping up. This is especially true when trying to manually pan the camera, as many assets simply disappear in an attempt to have motion blur. I also found the game to be hurtful to the eyes in long stretches, making it hard to play.

Please Square Enix, fix the frame issues.

Adding to this is the dreadful pace to the game. The first hour or so of play is filled with gorgeous cutscenes, tons of action, and culminates in the summoning of Odin. These moments set the stage way too high for the rest of the game. Players must prepare for missions by poking around the world in search of events.

The opening segment of the game also forces me to mention another problem I have with Type-0: character development is almost non-existent. This is a game with fourteen playable characters and not a one gets any sort of development in the first three hours. The driving drama of the story is the death of a completely unknown character. Even though the scene is tragic just from its direction, there’s no reason for players to care, unless they’re a Chocobo rights activist. Even after about ten hours of play, I have no idea who any of the characters in Class Zero are, what their motives are or why they’re together. Even side quests don’t offer those key character details that could make the game great. It’s a shame too, cause many character interactions, like those between Ace and Mother or Rem and Machina, ooze possibilities.

I WANT TO KNOW THEIR STORY IN A PALATABLE WAY!

Before giving my final thoughts, I’d like to take this chance to clarify that I have not finished Final Fantasy Type-0 HD.

Many of the technical complaints I have about the game could, and hopefully will, be fixed in a patch. There could also be more character development towards the end, however, the game’s awesome opening left me with a lot of expectations that have yet to be matched. I want to love this game for its style, darker tone, and fluent combat engine, but its flaws make that impossible.The only thing keeping me playing is the art style.

In fact, I had lost faith in Final Fantasy after buying Final Fantasy XIII the day it released. Type-0 was a glimmer of hope for me, but I was let down. Luckily, the demo packaged with Type-0 rekindles that hope. Final Fantasy XV looks to be one of the greatest games of all time, but I won’t know for sure until it comes out.

Even considering its origins as a portable title, Final Fantasy Type-0 gets six dead chocobos out of ten.

Game File, Games and Software, Pop Culture, RPG

Final Fantasy Summon Origins: Leviathan

February 2, 2015 Alex McCumbers

A strange sight caught Cecil’s eyes as the boat sailed across the waves. There was a swirl forming, just a few yards from the port side, gaining speed and broadening. The ship tipped as it slowly sucked in. Cries of panic surrounded Cecil and his companions. Unable to do anything, Cecil watched as the water engulfed the sky.

Just before the sea swallowed the boat, Cecil saw an immense serpent coiled beneath the surface. “Leviathan!” yelled a crewman.

Summoning is often one of the strongest and most visually appealing forms of magic in the Final Fantasy series. First appearing as a summon in Final Fantasy III in Japan, Americans did not get introduced to Ifrit and pals until Final Fantasy 4 hit the SNES. Since then, these powerful beings have become icons, often being envisioned in many creative ways for each installment.

While there are many summons to elaborate on, there are a few that could use a bit more discussion. For some excellent insight into other summons, check out Gaijin Goomba’s series on Youtube:

Leviathan’s character is a simple design, a massive sea serpent that summons tidal waves to drown enemies. However, his size and immense power is better described in his origins. Sea serpents have been showing up in literature ever since the days of the Nordic folk. Even the Bible references this massive creature said to be immune to all weapons.

Destruction_of_Leviathan — “Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?” – Job 41: 1

Interestingly enough, this same passage mentions befriending the creature or at least making a pact with it. Considering in Final Fantasy X, many summoners create bonds with their Aeons, this could be a potential influence to Leviathan being created as a summon.

“Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever?” – Job 41: 4

There was actually a Final Fantasy IV novel in Japan! Wish it would translated one day. . .

The first Leviathan in Final Fantasy III showed a simple design and concept. He’s just a regal serpent with long whiskers that summons weather forces. However, in Final Fantasy IV, he becomes a king of beings called Eidolons. The Eidolons are powerful elemental beings that live in a separate plane of existence. It’s here that Rydia (the summoner of Final Fantasy IV) gains her mastery of summoning, also creating an interesting parental connection with Leviathan and his queen, Asura. Both of these royal beings offer rough battles, but end with the prize of being able to call on them.

It’s also interesting that Leviathan’s human form in Final Fantasy IV is that of an old man. He appears frail and wise, sporting a long beard like many of the other sages in the series. In many mythologies, higher beings often have the power to shape shift. For instance, Zeus regularly transforms into animals such as an eagle or a bull, usually to carry away maidens and sometimes young men for, well, coitus.

This remedy can also be self applied if buy cheap cialis cute-n-tiny.com you have the understanding, nonetheless when very first attempting this method it is finest performed by a physician who will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for an an enlarged prostate. Strong Aphrodisiac For Men Muira puama otherwise “potency wood” is most recognized for its aphrodisiac or “sexual cialis generic no prescription interest improving” effects in men. Sleep restriction: this prevents daytime prescription viagra online naps to promote nighttime sleep. Common details are discount cialis http://cute-n-tiny.com/cute-items/crochet-hot-chocolate/ from particular natural aphrodisiacs like Tribulus, Ashwagandha, and Shilajit and so on. Leviathan’s human form could have connections to Proteus, son of Oceanus of Greek mythology. Proteus could call upon great storms and change his shape, one of which was a snake.

As far as his design goes, Leviathan does not see much change until Final Fantasy IX. In this game, he is given wing-like fins that give him a more imposing appearance. His color palette also expands to include many shades of purple to accent his blue skin. Also important to note is Leviathan is a female. This makes sense, as summoning is a feminine power used only by Eiko and Garnet. That same motif is carried into Final Fantasy X by Yuna.

Both MMO Final Fantasy games retain Leviathan’s wings, neither changing the design too drastically. Unfortunately, Leviathan has been absent in true form in later console games. The Sea King lives on in name as an airship and as a plaza.

As of now, its unknown what sort of role summoning will have in Final Fantasy XV. Will the tides rise with the revival of Leviathan? Or will he merely remain a memory? At least, early trailers suggest he (maybe she) will be a massive boss.

Thus Leviathan remains as a staple for those wanting to add some water to their magic repertoire. His role in the story of the series has been grand and subtle, but one thing is certain, Leviathan is an icon of Final Fantasy.

Drop by next week for a look at everyone’s favorite Celtic warrior gone toxic monster, Cúchulainn.

Action, Adventure, Game File, Games and Software, Otaku, RPG

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – More Excellent Remakes from Nintendo

November 28, 2014 Alex McCumbers

Nintendo has a knack for creating fantastic remakes that ooze nostalgia, but still hold up among other games. One of my favorite DS games was Pokemon Soul Silver, due to my love for the original Silver Version and from just awesome content overall. Now a new game has crested the horizon.

I got to play the Ruby Version on my GBA in middle school. It was a strange and dark time, when bullies would pick on Pokémon players, yet it was during this time more people picked it up. Friends who I didn’t know played video games were suddenly asking me to evolve their Clamperl. Oddly enough, even though I sunk hundreds of hours into the game, I considered Ruby and Sapphire to be a weak upgrade from Silver.

Hoenn is mostly water, letting trainers explore the seas atop their Pokemon or by diving below the surface.

My main issue with the original games is the scope of the game. The Johto Region is huge, and after beating the Elite Four players, one could visit the Kanto Region to beat up classic Gym Leaders. By comparison the Hoenn Region feel small and the towns are small and condensed.

This is where Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby shines. Not only has Mauville City been completely redone, but also many areas feature larger set pieces and sweeping camera angles. Add this with the ability to soar through the sky makes Hoenn feel vast and vibrant.

Pokemon-Omega-Ruby-and-Alpha-Sapphire-Will-Enable-Players-to-Fly-Through-Hoenn-462157-2 — Soaring adds a whole new level to the region.

Aside from the sheer expansion of the world, the new games add all the lovely features from X and Y. Pokémon Amie, Super Training, and the Player Search System are all conveniently under one tab on the touch screen. Players can also use a DexNav, which lets trainers see what Pokémon is shaking the bushes. The more the trainer encounters the same Pokémon, the more information becomes available during a scan. It’s a really cool feature I believe will be abused to gather the ultra rare Shiny Pokémon.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire also enhance the way players interact. Using the move Secret Power on specific spots lets the player create a Secret Base. After setting it up with traps, dolls, and more, players can then share their base with others. The coolest way to do this is by creating a QR code which can then be saved on the system’s SD card.

It is absolutely effortless to find out female s More Info order viagra uk from the huge files lender associated with net. Every year lot of people die of the smoking in different getting viagra in canada parts of the world. This is popular treatment http://www.devensec.com/ISRS2016Presentations.html viagra prescription for woman for erectile dysfunction because of nerve overload. a. There does exist a levitra prescription real gender bias in incomes between men and women.

secret-base-artwork-pokemon-omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire — Secret Bases let players make their own gym, albeit on a much smaller scale.

Scouring the internet for Secret Bases is awesome and extremely rewarding for both the finder and the hider.

These games retain the colorful presentation of X and Y. The backgrounds are gorgeous and the special effects are really cool. New Mega Evolutions have also been added, giving new forms to old favorites, including the starters Sceptile and Marshtomp.

mega_sceptile__lightning_rod_by_wyvernsmasher-d7mau29 — Mega Sceptile becomes a Grass/Dragon type.

So far, I’ve had a blast reliving this memory. I can’t wait to finish the main game to see what lies beyond. Pokémon fans will want to pick this up as soon as possible, but I’d also recommend it to anyone with a 3DS and a love for RPGs.

Groudon and Kyogre were the first Legendary Pokemon to have a large impact on the game's world. — Groudon and Kyogre were the first Legendary Pokemon to have a large impact on the game’s world.

Raise your fists high, Pokémon has never been better.

Looking for some Friend Codes? Here’s mine: 5472-7523-9877 – Alex. Be sure to contact me on Twitter with your code. Also, send me tons of QR bases. It’s my favorite feature so far.

Game File, Games and Software, Indie Pennant, RPG

Indie Alert: Trippy RPG – Y2K

November 24, 2014 RaShaun Eshalomi

Ackk Studios is working on a 3D, turn-based, Japanese-style RPG: Y2K—that takes me back, I’m old. Players control an unemployed college graduate, Alex. Alex is on a quest to find answers behind the death of a young woman: her life is claimed by an erratically behaving elevator. During his search through ’90s message boards, Alex learns about a “Death Cab” roaming the city and countryside and the death toll surrounding it.

I love the look of this game. The art style is what really caught my attention. It’s bright, fun and unique: a psychedelic, trippy trip.

Enemy encounters are much like any other RPG, except when you kill an enemy it’s gone forever. Most of your grinding will take place in Mind Dungeons, where you will find chest that contain special moves you can’t find outside the dungeon. Defeating enemies and talking to NPCs will unlock keys to the Mind Dungeons.
Before seeking infertility treatment, it’s important that the oils are not manufactured with chemicals, fake colors and/or scents, petrochemical side products. viagra pills commander levitra These drugs cannot be taken by women, but also by children too. Tongkat Ali extract is now delivered in pill, capsule cialis usa or liquid form. Herbal erection oil for men and the levitra online herbal pills helps to get strong erection naturally.
Players will have control over how quickly the battles move. Speeding up battles will make inputting dodge and combo attacks in real time a little difficult. When you take damage, a meter will start to fill up. Once the meter is full, players can slow the battle down and pull off dodges and attacks more easily.

I'm assuming this is part of the Mind Dungeon — I’m assuming this is part of the Mind Dungeon

I’m excited about this game. The story sounds crazy, but I’m intrigued. Ackk Studios promises a story-heavy, “gripping narrative, an expansive world, memorable characters and an emotionally moving score.” I can’t wait.

Ackk Studios is shooting for a late 2015 or early 2016 release on the PS4, PS Vita, PC and Wii U.

GIGA: Arcade, GIGA: Play, Other, RPG

GIGA: Arcade – Arcuz – RPG

August 15, 2013 J.A.Montemoiño

Description

Arcuz is an Action Role Play Game (Like Zelda or Diablo). You fight with the monsters, train your hero, learn skills, search better weapons and equipments, compose new items using your creativity…and more! Don’t be addicted!

You got 18 different maps to discover, 25 quests to accomplish, 21 battle skills to learn, more than 10 types of monsters to kill, more than 100 weapons and gears to choose, and unlimited possibility of composition…Those are not all. We translated this game into 7 languages so half of the whole world can enjoy it!

Hope Arcuz will bring you a lot of fun!

Thus, to treat erection troubles, it is suggested to first find its buying viagra from canada cause as it may be the symptom of sexual malady, but in addition educes making love to an admirable level to bring out definite plus long standing erection. Read more : Multiple Sclerosis (also known as M.S.) is a neurological disorder; it is believed viagra price http://downtownsault.org/cup-of-the-day/ to be an autoimmune disease. One of the ingredients found in VigRx plus pills is the perfect cure for all types of downtownsault.org cialis 10 mg sexual problems including micro penis syndrome and erectile dysfunction. Besides, their policy of free shipping on all orders over $70 within Canada and pfizer viagra pharmacy the United States.

Instructions

1. Overview:
Here we are presenting a classical action role playing game (Like Diablo). It is called Arcuz. The game consists of very cute pixel artwork and creative system. You can see avatar changes when equip different weapons, fight with the monsters and get self level-up, learn battle skills, add crystal pieces on your weapon or armor by composition (increase its power), etc.2. Game story:
A long long time ago, land Sakara was rich and flourishing. There was a village at the west of the land called Arcuz Village. People lived there happily and peacefully. Their cosy life led them to forget the dark age when the Devil of Abyss, Ssyba, came out from the underground and brought horror and darkness to the land. Fortunately, he was sealed in the deepest place of the dungeon by the heroes.Recently, strange things have begun to happen again. Animals surrounding village Arcuz were blustering and began to attack the villagers. People left the land to escape the abnormity, but some are still suffering and waiting for the arrival of the calm after the storm.You, the hero, an adventurer, heard about this torrid affair and came to the village. Thus our story starts from here…3. Control and brief instruction on how to play:
WASD: Move
J: Attack/Talk with NPC/Accept
K: Jump/Cancel
I&L: Activate Battle Skill. You can put 4 battle skills on the skill slots on the bottom of the game screen and press I/L to use the skills. You level up and add ability point to one of your skills. Then you click one of the skills on the SKILL panel and put it on the skill slot. You can only put active skills to the skill slots (not passive skills).
1/2/3: Use potions and town portal. Click the potions and scrolls in your inventory and put them on the potion slots on the bottom of the game screen. Then you can use the potions and scrolls by pressing key 1/2/3.
C/V/B/N/M/,/ESC: hotkeys for Char, Skill, Quest, Inventory, Map and Menu.

First you, the hero, arrived at Village Arcuz. The old man standing near you is the Village head Wayne. You go to the front of him and talk with him by pressing J. You accept his 5 tutorial quests for beginners one by one: You buy weapon from the blacksmith Gran and equip it; you go out of the village and kill slimes (fight training. Attack by keep pressing J. You can have attack combo, you can jump and chop down… This game has a very cute battle system); you learn how to add points to your characters and battle skills; you learn how to compose… After finishing all of the 5 quests, you enter Chapter 2. From Chapter 2 to Chapter 5, you are going to help the villagers and begin to see the whole picture of the game step by step.